Meals & Events

The 2011 ICF Annual International Conference is a uniquely designed opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore future opportunities. Global conversations will naturally occur around meal tables and during receptions offering coaches a rich time for networking and collaboration.

All events will be at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The following meals and events are included in the conference program and registration fee. Please remember to wear your badge to gain entry to all meals and events.

Click here for list of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino restaurants.
Click here for list of restaurants outside of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

See more details on:

• Breakfasts
• Luncheons
• "Comparative Appreciation for Inspired Thinking" Opening Reception
• Exhibitor Showcase and Networking Reception  
• Reception and Closing of Exhibit Hall

Special Dietary Requests & Food Allergies—Submit your request by August 31
ICF will accommodate requests for the following dietary needs for breakfasts and lunches when notified prior to August 31, 2011. Please make sure to select one of the following options from the meal preference drop-down list in the online registration form or notify icfconference@coachfederation.org to make your needs known. As the terms "vegan" and "vegetarian" vary regionally around the globe, the following definitions are provided for the purpose of correctly ordering a special ICF Conference meal: 

• Vegetarian: a diet which excludes beef, poultry and pork. However, will eat fish/shellfish.
• Vegan: a diet which excludes all beef, poultry, pork, fish/shellfish, and any other animal product or bi-product (e.g., cheese, eggs, milk etc.).
• Kosher: these will be pre-packaged meals (usually frozen) prepared off-site in accordance with Jewish law and reheated in their original packaging by the resort. 
• Wheat/Gluten Free: eliminates such foods as wheat, rye, oats, and other foods which are rich in gluten.

Please note food allergies in the "special request" field of the online registration form or notify icfconference@coachfederation.org prior to August 31, 2011. ICF will attempt to make the necessary arrangements. 

Continental Breakfasts — Held prior to Sunday and Monday's General Sessions. 

• Sunday, September 25, 7:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m. | 07:00–8:30  
• Monday, September 26, 6:30 a.m.–8:00 a.m. | 06:30–8:00 
• Tuesday, September 27: Breakfast on your own.    

   

• Sunday, September 25, 12:30 p.m.–2 p.m. | 12:30–14:00   Table Topic Box Luncheon
  Some ICF coaches are hosting table top discussons around topics and/or issues related to coaching. Join your table host and colleagues for lively discussions and networking (a list and locator map will be included in on-site materials).  General seating will be available for those not wishing to participate.  Table topics offered are:
  • 2011 ICF Global Coaching Study
  • Strengths Based Coaching for Teams & Individuals
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Coaching Supervision:  How do you promote it worldwide?
  • Developing Internal Coaches
  • The Pivotal Keystone to Successful Visibility & Many More Clients!
  • Measuring Outcomes:  How do we know what works?
  • Using NLP in your coaching practice.
  • Coaching in the workplace
  • Recovery Coaching:  Working with individual in recovery
  • Spanish speaking coaches
  • Coaching challenges in emerging markets
  • Thinking and Coaching:  Importance and the connection
  • Coaching Youth (teens/young adults)
  • Coaching to the LGBT Community:  Brainstorming ideas, getting support
  • Group Coaching Supervision:  Sharing ideas and learning

• Monday, September 26: Lunch on your own (see link at top of page for listing of Mandalay Bay food outlets and options)
• Tuesday, September 27, 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | 12:00–14:30 (included with Closing General Sessions and Keynote program.  Speaker: Steve Farber)

"Comparative Appreciation for Inspired Thinking" Opening Reception
Saturday, September 24, 7–9 p.m. | 19:00–21:00 *cash bar
CCEU:  1.0 PD
ICF will kick off its 16^th Annual International Conference with an exciting and inspiring event based on an innovative philosophy of bringing people together.  Michael Gelb will create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere and then gently guide participants towards a deeper understanding of the creative spark in themselves and their colleagues.

In Plato's Critias, Socrates expresses the magic that happens when people gather together in a convivial environment to enjoy wine, poetry and music. "You will find that suddenly something extraordinary happens. As they are speaking, it's as if a spark ignites, passing from one speaker to another, and as it travels it gathers strength, building into a warm and illuminating flame of mutual understanding which none of them could have achieved alone."

This event involves a comparative wine tasting and poetry contest (a comparative chocolate or fruit tasting for those who choose not to drink wine). Although most groups don't think of themselves as poetic, after gathering in this cordial and warm atmosphere you will discover your inner poet! Don't miss this unique networking event which promises to be a fun filled evening of laughter, camaraderie and creativity!

Notes: Cash bar available, and hors d'oeuvres served throughout event. Two "tastings" of wine provided complimentary for each attendee as part of the comparative appreciation program.   

Exhibitor Showcase and Networking Reception   
Sunday, September 25, 6–7:30 p.m. | 18:00–19:30 *cash bar
A highlight of conference, this exceptional networking event will give you the chance to speak with coaches from all over the world as well as exhibitors. Learn about the latest coaching products and services from exhibitors and sponsors in order to grow your business. This event is an opportunity to gain both valuable global business contacts and timely information. Light hors d'oeuvres will be provided. 

Reception and Closing of Exhibit Hall
Monday, September 26, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | 17:00–18:00 *hosted beer, wine and soft drinks
Join your peers for hosted drinks before you venture off around town to dine on your own. This reception will give you the chance to chat with friends before dinner as well as connect with any exhibitors and sponsors, before the close of the exhibit hall, that you haven't talked to yet. Look for details on reception giveaways to be posted before September!